Middlemarch

Middlemarch brings together the history of a former railway and a vast, dry inland landscape. The town is the starting point for the 150 km Otago Central Rail Trail to Clyde; it also has a museum with unusual exhibits and offers insights into the Strath Taieri landscape. Whether you prefer to spend several days on the trail or focus on culture and nature, these distinct aspects give your trip planning a practical framework.

On the Otago Central Rail Trail

The Otago Central Rail Trail follows the former Otago Central Branch Railway from Middlemarch to Clyde. Designed as a recreational route, it takes three to four days and was developed for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. If you are planning a multi-day trip, you can consider whether walking, cycling or riding suits your plans best. The route starts in Middlemarch and covers a total of 150 km to Clyde.

Railway heritage is also part of the experience. The Otago Central Railway reached Middlemarch in 1891. The 150 km railway section between Middlemarch and Clyde closed in 1990 and was officially reopened as New Zealand’s first Rail Trail in 2000. Viaducts, masonry, bridges and some former railway stations remain as features of this railway history. The route therefore offers a view of both its current recreational use and its former railway line.

Museum and unusual history

The Middlemarch Museum preserves local artefacts and stories from Strath Taieri. Exhibits include pre-European artefacts, memorabilia from farming and mining, and the Platypus submarine. The Platypus was reconstructed as a submarine at the museum. It may be one of only two surviving submarines from its era; it also has global significance in the history of submarine development. This unusual museum find complements evidence of regional farming and mining with a subject of international interest.

Landscape and routes through the region

The Middlemarch landscape ranges from open farmland to rugged schist outcrops. It provides habitat for birds, reptiles and insects adapted to the dry inland environment. In the wider Middlemarch district, birdwatchers and nature lovers can find suitable natural areas, especially along rivers, in wetlands and in sheltered valleys. Nearby is also Sutton Salt Lake, New Zealand’s only inland salt lake.

Middlemarch is on State Highway 87, about an hour’s drive northwest of Dunedin. On the 341 km Central Otago Touring Route from Dunedin to Queenstown, Middlemarch is named as the first stop. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Middlemarch, you can choose your destination based on whether the Rail Trail or this route will be the focus of your trip.

Activities and local highlights

There are plenty of ways to spend the day beyond the Rail Trail. The Taieri River in and around Middlemarch is suited to gentle walks, picnics and fishing. The Middlemarch Swimming Pool is a heated indoor pool, with a water temperature of 26 to 28°C. The swimming season runs from mid-October to March.

The Middlemarch Golf Course is about 500 m from town. This public parkland course has nine holes, a par of 72 and a length of 5,650 m. The Stonehurst Track is another option for walks in the area, reaching an elevation of 1,100 m above sea level. The Strath Taieri A&P Show brings together livestock displays and equestrian events with presentations of local produce and crafts, as well as lawnmower races.

Another local highlight is Grocott’s Organic Community Garden in Middlemarch. Sustainable food production methods are demonstrated there, including composting, making liquid fertiliser and mulching. Alongside railway heritage and the landscape, the garden offers practical examples of how to handle food and organic materials.

Discover more destinations

More destinations to discover: Waikouaiti, Waitati, Dunedin, Warrington, Hyde, Mosgiel, Port Chalmers, Brighton.

For the main travel overview: Dunedin City.